A17698:1057
Sermons upon Deuteronomy
The sermons of M. John Calvin upon the fifth book of Moses called Deuteronomy faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpit; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneva, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chief matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alleged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.The sermons of M. Iohn Caluin vpon the fifth booke of Moses called Deuteronomie faithfully gathered word for word as he preached them in open pulpet; together with a preface of the ministers of the Church of Geneua, and an admonishment made by the deacons there. Also there are annexed two profitable tables, the one containing the chiefe matters; the other the places of Scripture herein alledged. Translated out of French by Arthur Golding.
London: printed by Henry Middleton for George Bishop, 1583
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But now herewithall we must resort to the remedy. For we should fall into utter despair and confusion, if we had not Gods grace to succour us withal. Therefore if we acknowledge our selves blameworthy in all respects: then doeth GOD call us to him, and show us that although the wicked lusts which are in us, be sin of their own nature: yet he will not impute them to us for §30sin. Then if it be demanded whether evil lust, be imputed for sin to the faithful: I say no: but they be two divers things. For if ye have an eye to the nature of the vice: ye shall ever find it to be sin: but yet GOD pardoneth it. After that manner shall no evil lusts be laid to the charge of the faithful, for as much as they be forgiven through Gods free goodness: and we know also that all our spots are wiped out by the blood of our Lord §40Jesus Christ:1 and thereof is Baptism a good warrant unto us.2 For there have we our spiritual washing, to cleanse us from all the filth and uncleanness that is in us, that we may appear pure and clean before GOD. So then our wicked lusts shall not come to account. Nay (which more is) even the deadly sins, notwithstanding that they proceed even into the act or deed doing, shall not be imputed unto us: verily even because (as I said before)§50 God respecteth not that: and yet notwithstanding he will that we have an eye to it. Howbeit, if any man beguile himself by bearing himself in hand that he hath not conceived any wicked lust: it causeth GOD to call him to account. And why? For in as much as men soothe themselves, it is meet that they should be condemned. And for the same cause hath the Devil brought to pass to blear mens eyes by making them believe that none of all those things §60is sin: in so much that we see how the Papists imagine, that even the grossest faults that be, are blotted out by the sign of the Cross, or taken away with the sprinkling of holy water. To their seeming they be matters of no weight, and they dally with God as with a little baby. But on the contrary part let us always bear this in mind. And for as much as we be not only too negligent, but also inclined to sooth our selves in our own vices: let us take this looking glass to behold our selves in. Let us not deceive our selves.